Bonjour, je compte me rendre en Sicile fin juillet et accéder à l'Etna. Mais j'aurais besoin de quelques conseils.
Faut-il dormir à Nicolosi ?, y-a-t-il des billets à réserver à l'avance ?, quels équipements avoir (baskets suffisent-elles?, faut-il même en été penser à un anorak et/ou un pull ?).
Merci de votre aide sur tous les détails pratiques d'une telle excursion.
Vegafi
Bonjour,
Nous revenons de Sicile depuis hier et nous sommes passés sur l'Etna. Oui c'est bien de dormir à Nicolosi, c'est le mieux. Nous avions réservé au
B&B Etna House
Via Mompelieri-trav. V 7
95030 Nicolosi Mascalucia(CT)
Tél : 095 910188
3471136512 - 3937150740
info@bedand breakfast-etnahouse.it
Charmante, la propriétaire nous a donné des explications sur les possibilités d'excursions à l'Etna, nous a recommandé d'arriver tôt le matin chez elle pour déposer les valises et partir sur l'Etna au plus tôt le matin (9h) car après le temps se gâte souvent l'après-midi. Nous avons été reçus de façon très sympathique par la dame qui s'occupe de ces chambres tenues impeccablement.
Une belle literie, possibilité de piqueniquer dans le jardin, de se servir de la piscine ou du barbecue si on le souhaite (ce n'était pas possible vu le temps).
Elle est en relation avec l'institut du tourisme de Nicolosi et propose des vouchers offrant des réductions sur l'excursion à l'Etna, sur des restaurants de la ville... Il ne faut pas s'attendre à des milles et des cents mais environ 10%.
La propriétaire nous a préparé des vouchers et à l'arrivée au funiculaire, nous avions ainsi eu une réduction 10 % je crois, soit 42,50 € par personne. Inutile de réserver.
Il faisait très froid sur l'Etna, Neige et grêle en hait alors qu'en bas il faisait soleil. Il faut un anorak (ou un manteau chaud) des tennis en cuir. Moi je n'en avais pas alors j'ai loué pour 2 € des chaussures en haut de la funivia (funiculaire). Il y a aussi les anorak en location (je ne sais pas combien). Un chapeau n'était pas de trop.
Dans Nicolosi, il faut aller sur une des rues principales "Via Etnea" et la suivre sur 19km ; c'est mal indiqué. Il faut aller direction Etna sud pendant 18 km. Là on tombe sur le refuge Sapienza là où il y a la funivia. Il faut au moins prendre cette funivia + le bus 4X4 qui monte au niveau supérieur (sinon aucun intérêt). Là avec un guide, on fait le tour d'une des bouches du cratères. Durée complète 1h maxi. On voit de la vapeur d'eau qui en sort.
Je marche avec de grosses difficultés et je l'ai fait sans problème.
Avec le funiculaire, le bus et la visite d'une heure, compter 2heures et demie. Nous étions très fatigués après mais c'était dû au mauvais temps en haut (vent, grêle).
Pour d'autres personnes qui voulaient faire la grande excursion de l'Etna en 6 heures, la propriétaire a contacté une guide de l'Etna qui est venue chercher les touristes.
Au petit-déjeuner, nous avons eu des croissants exceptionnels : une pâte feuilletée extra fine fourrée à la pistache. L'Etna est près de Bronte, la ville de la pistache. Nous n'en avons pas mangé d'aussi bons pendant tout notre voyage. Egalement charcuterie, fromage, yaourt et oeufs à volonté.
Vraiment d'une grande gentillesse, elle nous a parlé de notre voyage et est restée avec nous tant que nous le désirions.
Son grand regret : ne toujours pas être dans le Routard alors que cela fait plusieurs années qu'elle le souhaite.
Par ailleurs, toujours à Nicolosi, nous avons découvert une adresse très sympa.
l'Osteria Garibaldi
Via Garibaldi 30 - Nicolosi
095 91 47 15 - 3281412286
Nous ne connaissions pas ce type de pizza sans levure. La pizzole. Grande pizza qui gonfle. On lui ôte le dessus qui gonfle. La pizzole est alors farcie selon votre goût ;: cèpes, tomates fraiche, affumicato, speck.... puis recouverte. Etonnante, légère...
Le personnel est charmant, à la disposition du client si l'on veut modifier les choix proposés. En avril où nombre de restaurant étaient fermés, nous étions ravis de trouver ce petit endroit délicieux.
Sur ces mots, il ne me reste qu'à vous souhaiter de bonnes vacances. N'hésitez pas si besoin d'autres infos ; nous venons de faire le tour de la Sicile.
Bien cordialement🙂
Tu trouveras ICI mon carnet de voyage d'une semaine en Sicile. En dernier message, je décris la journée passer sur l'Etna.
Pour répondre à tes questions, dormir à Nicolosi est mieux car plus proche de l'Etna, mais sinon il te suffira de te lever plus tôt, si tu dors plus loin.
J'avais reservé le matin même, si tu peux reserver la veille, tu seras plus tranquille le matin.
J'avais mes chaussures de randos, mais des baskets, si tu es à l'aise dedans, devraient suffire. Evite les tennis en toile par contre.
Prend un pull (voir une polaire) et un coupe vent. Tu peux aussi emprunter des chaussres de rando et un anorak au point de départ des excursions.
Je te laisse lire le message dont je t'ai donné le lien, et n'hésites pas si tu as d'autres questions.
Suivant le degre de confort que tu cherches il y a aussi le Refuge Sapienza direcetment au pied de la remontée pour l'Etna. Comme son nom l'indique, c'est un refuge, pas un hotel!
Pour l'equipement au sommet, tu es a 3000m en montagne! Prevoir de pouvoir te couvrir (pull + kway en ete)
Pour faire les trois pas autour de l'arrivée de bonnes baskets suffisent (il faudra les laver plus tard!) La cendre volcanique, c'est comme du sable ou du petit gravier, ca entre partout!!
Si tu veux t'eloigner un peu plus de bonnes chaussures de montagne sont mieux!
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He’d really appreciate it, as he has a deep appreciation for Nordic countries—probably because of his own Nordic roots.
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Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
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I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
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I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
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Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
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Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
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- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
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We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
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Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
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Cheers!
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Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
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One place in the central part and explore from there?
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I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
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Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
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Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
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hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
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Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay
D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there
D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there
D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night
D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night
D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda
D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there
D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions:
Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential...
Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day?
Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit.
Have a great day, everyone!
Christine
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we’re a couple planning a 2-week road trip this August, with a must-stop (about 3 days on Skye). Any route suggestions? Hotel recommendations? Photo spots?
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in September 2026.
We’ll be flying from Montreal to London, where we’ll spend three nights.
After that, we’ll head to Dublin for a few days and take trains to visit the main attractions.
Our ideal plan would be to choose hotels near train stations and take tours to the interesting spots.
Would 8 days in Ireland be enough for this kind of trip?